Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage risks associated with plant pests and diseases. Through practical coursework and specified electives, the program emphasizes biosecurity measures, pest management, emergency response, and trade implications. Graduates are prepared for careers in biosecurity, quarantine, pest management, and agriculture.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity is a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the risks associated with plant pests and diseases. The program emphasizes the importance of plant biosecurity in safeguarding food crops, the natural environment, and international trade.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plant biosecurity measures, including risk analysis, quarantine, and surveillance.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage plant pests and diseases, both locally and internationally.
- Develop students' expertise in rapid emergency response to incursions of plant pests and diseases.
- Foster students' understanding of how to manage pest organisms that become established in new regions and impact trade.
Program Description:
The Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity is a highly relevant program, given the increasing global movement of people and goods, which elevates the risk of spreading plant pests and diseases. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals in the field of biosecurity, particularly in agriculture, the environment, and international and domestic trade.
Outline:
Total Credit Points:
12
Course Core (12 credit points):
- BIO538 Plant Biosecurity in Practice (3 credit points): This unit provides practical insights into plant biosecurity practices.
- BIO601 Biosecurity Plant Pests (3 credit points): This unit delves into the identification, biology, and management of plant pests.
Specified Elective Units (Choose two of the following - 6 credit points):
- BIO537 Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics (3 credit points): This unit focuses on the latest technologies and methods for detecting and diagnosing plant pests and diseases.
- VET657 Risk Analysis from Farm to Fork (3 credit points): This unit explores risk analysis in the food supply chain, from farm to consumer.
- COD601 Community Development Methods (3 credit points): This unit examines community engagement strategies for biosecurity initiatives.
Careers:
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity, graduates are well-prepared for careers in:
- Biosecurity: Biosecurity Inspector, Compliance Officer
- Quarantine: Quarantine Officer
- Pest Management: Pest Management Technician
- Agriculture: Greenhouse Technician
Other:
The program has been developed in consultation with government representatives from Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest industry standards.
Professional Recognition:
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in professional societies such as:
- Australian Entomological Society
- Australian Plant Pathology Society
- Australian Ecological Society
- Australian Institute of Agricultural Science
- Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences
- Australian Society for Risk Analysis
